Trace-eye protector.



No. 793,254. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905. J. F. WELTY.

TRACE EYE PROTECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 12, 1904.

m 5 i x m I I A A Witnesses: b Zkntor,

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UNITED, STATES Patented June 27, 1905.

JOSEPH F. \VEIPY, OF \VAKARUSA, INDIANA.

TRACE-EYE PROTECTOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Let ers Pa e o. 793,254, dated June 27, 1905.

Application filed August 12, 1904. Serial No. 220,523.

To It [rim/It if 11mg cone/1771,:

Be it known that l, Josuru F. IVELTY, acitizen of the United States, residing at \Vakarusa, in the county of Elkhart and State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Trace- Ifiye Protector, of which the following is a specilication.

This invention relates to trace-eye protectors.

The object of the invention is in a ready, simple, thoroughly feasible, and practical manner to shield the eye of the trace against wear and positively to preclude any tendency of the same to rupture or tear out laterally; furthermore, to provide for the ready attachment to and detachment from the trace of the protecting device.

\Yith the above and other objects in view, as will appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel construction and combination of parts of a trace-eye protector, as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts, there are illustrated two forms of embodiment of the invention capable of carrying the same into practical operation, it being understood that the elements therein exhibited may be varied or changed as to shape, proportion, and exact manner of assemblage without departing from the spirit thereof.

ln. the drawings, Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a portion of a trace with one form of the protector applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through the trace and protector. Fig. 3 is a detached detail perspective view of the form of protector shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is a similar view of a modified form of the device.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a portion of a trace, which may be of the usual or any preferred construction and is provided with an eye 2. Connected with the trace is the protector, (designated generally 3,) the same comprising a loop I, merging into a shank 5, which is tapered and preferably terminates in a sharp point. From one side of the loop projects a guard 6, which is preferably curved in cross-section to conform to the large or rear end wall of the trace-eye and has extended from it a tongue or stud 7, constituting a keeper, which is adapted to be inserted between the layers of the trace, and thus positively hold the guard and loop againstaccidental separation therefrom. All the parts of the device thus far described are by preference integral, and the structure as a whole may be made from malleable cast-iron, brass, or any other metal suited to the purpose.

In assembling the above-described protector with the trace the keeper is inserted between the layers of the trace with the guard bearing against the rear wall of the trace-eye, thus positively shielding this part of the eye from wear. The forward or tapered end of the shank, which is disposed at right angles to the length thereof to form an attaching member or prong 8, is then passed through an opening 9 in the trace provided for the purpose, and the projecting end is then bent or clenched down upon the trace and, if desired, embedded therein, thus lirmly and positively securing the device in position. In use it will be seen that the guard positively shields the rear wall of the trace-eye and that the members of the loop shield the side walls of the eye against wear and also against any tendency of rupturing or tearing out laterally. l urthermore, the members of the loop form a metallic bearing, against which the hook or stud of the swingletree will bear, thus further obviating any tendency on the part of the said hook or stud to wear away the trace.

In the form of embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. at the loop is provided with the guard 6 and keeper '7, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The prong 8, however, is dispensed with, and in lieu thereof the shank is provided with a threaded orilice 10, adapted to be engaged by the threaded end of a screw 11, having a flat washer-shaped head 12 and a screw-nick 13. The manner of attaching this form of de- Of course, as

will be obvious, the threads may be eliminated from the screw 11 and the latter be employed as a rivet.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that although the devices of this invention are exceedingly simple in construction they will be found of the highest efiiciency and durability in use and owing to the manner in which they are applied to the trace will insure practically the elimination of all wear of the trace-eye and trace. Furthermore, to adapt these devices to a trace will require no change in the structural arrangement of the latter, as in both instances it will only be necessary to provide an orifice to receive either the prong or the screw, according to which is employed.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is 1. As a new article of manufacture, a traceeye protector comprising a loop having a shank extending therefrom and disposed in a plane coincident With that of the loop and constituting a means of attachment to the trace, a guard projecting at right angles to the loop, and a keeper disposed intermediate of the ends of the guard and projected at right angles thereto.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a traceeye protector comprising a loop having one end formed into a shank disposed in a plane coincident With that of the loop and provided with a prong extending at right angles to its length, a curved guard projecting at right angles to the loop, and a keeper disposed intermediate of the ends of the guard and projecting at right angles thereto.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH F. WVELTY. l/Vitnesses:

SAM. C. WAGNER, DE ALTON RHnUBoTToM. 

